NEC Reacts to CDC’s Allegation

The National Elections Commission has reacted to allegations levied by the main opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) that the awarding of the printing contract of ballot papers to CETIS was influential.

Addressing press men and international partners at the NEC Conference Hall yesterday, the Chairman of the Commission, Cllr. Jerome Korkoya, said that the Commission followed every procurement procedures and is not aware of CETIS having any local representatives by the name of Henry Boakai, a nephew of the Standard Bearer Joseph Boakai of the ruling Unity Party.Chairman Korkoya said that even though it is the fundamental rights of every Liberian to enjoy free speech, it is also the responsibility of everyone to practice it in conformity with the laws in order not to mislead the public.Chairman Korkoya said that the only representative of CETIS that the Commission is aware of is Mr. Melvin Brown.“NEC is an independent body whose decision is not influenced by whosoever. It will be immoral for us to undermine the trust and confidence bestowed on us”, he said.In another development, Chairman Korkoya called on political parties to submit their campaign plans in order to avoid clash of dates.The Chairman also revealed that 14,970 voter’s card were replaced in the just concluded replacement exercise.He said if anybody happens to find his or her lost voter’s card, the person should submit same to the Commission as it is a punishable offense to hold two cards.